Match Preview: v Shelbourne FC

Pre-Season Friendly: Athlone Town AFC vs Shelbourne FC

Date and Time: Saturday, January 27th 2024

Kick-off: 6pm

Venue: Athlone Town Stadium

This weekend, the stage is set for Athlone Town AFC prepares to face off against Shelbourne FC in what promises to be a much needed match in both teams preseason preparations.

Team News

Athlone Town comes into this match with high spirits following a win in the Permanent TSB LFA Cup earlier in the week. New signing Ruben Candal may make his first appearance for the club having started training midweek. Jamar Campion-Hinds is carrying a knock and has been ruled out for the game but may return on Tuesday in the LFA Cup. The squad has been training hard, focusing on their preseason preparations and coach Dario Castelo is quoted as saying “It’s important that we can get a good run out against a very good side”. He stated the that squad was in good spirits for the game with a formidable Shelbourne side.

Past Encounters

History has seen some memorable battles between these teams. One such meeting was the FAI Cup Quarter Final where Athlone won 4-1 to progress in the competition. Fans may know the Shels scorer on the day Ciaran Kilduff.

Key Players to Watch

For Athlone Town, Shane Forbes could be pivotal in this match. He has bags of talent and will be looking for a good showing against his former club. On the Shelbourne side Sean Gannon is looking to impress his new boss Damien Duff, the strong defender who was part of ten League of Ireland winning sides and is the one of the most decorated players in League of Ireland history.

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